The Lindenwood men's basketball team picked up its fourth consecutive victory and its first-ever GLVC win with a 78-73 triumph over Missouri S&T from Hyland Arena on Thursday evening. The win improves Lindenwood's record to 7-3 on the season and 1-1 from inside the GLVC.

GAME OVERVIEW
Lindenwood got off to a strong start to begin the game, taking a 12-2 lead over the visiting Miners after just 2:36 of play. The Lions hit each of their first four shots, including two makes from three-point range to build the early 10-point lead.

Lindenwood saw its first-half lead swell to as many as 13 points, as Anthony Christian connected on a and-one layup opportunity with just under 13 minutes remaining in the period, extending the Lion-lead to a 23-10 margin.

Missouri S&T chipped away throughout the remainder of the first half, trimming the Lindenwood advantage to just one point with 37 seconds remaining before halftime. Just seconds before the shot clock expired on Lindenwood's final possession, TJ Crockett connected on a three-pointer to give the Lions a 36-32 cushion heading into the break.

The teams traded baskets throughout the second half of play, but the Lions managed to successful counter each run the Miners put together. With just 63 seconds remaining in the game, Missouri S&T hit a pair of free throws to pull within one point of Lindenwood. Just 29 seconds later, Vijay Blackmon drained a three-pointer in front of the Lindenwood bench, putting the Lions ahead by four points, and all but sealing the victory.

Despite its second-half lead never exceeding eight points, Lindenwood lead throughout the entirety of the final period en route to the win.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Christian had the best game of his Lindenwood career, finishing with a career-high 20-point performance (9-of-9 FG).
- Christian was instrumental in the Lions protecting their lead in the second half, as he hit all six of his shots, scoring 13 second-half points in the process.
- Christian secured seven rebounds in the game, one behind Blackmon for team lead.
- Crockett extended his streak to 10 straight games with at least 20 points (5-of-12 FG, 4-of-6 3PFG), having accomplished the feat in each game this season.
- Crockett's four makes from three-point territory matched a single-game career-high.
- Blackmon totaled 17 points (5-of-13 FG, 3-of-6 3PFG), and led the Lions in rebounds (8) and assists (4).
- As a team, Lindenwood had identical shooting performances in each half, shooting exactly 13-of-24 (54.2 percent) from the field in each period.
- The Lions attempted 31 free throws in the game, their second most in a game this season (34 vs. Florida Southern, 12/7/19)
- Lindenwood won the rebounding battle for the fifth consecutive game, holding a 37-36 edge on the glass.

QUOTABLE
Head coach Kyle Gerdeman
"I am proud of our guys for pulling out the win tonight," said Gerdeman. "We didn't always execute offensively or defensively like we hoped, but we made enough plays to win and hold the lead for 40 minutes. Everyone chipped in to help, and we will need that every night in conference play."

UP NEXT
Lindenwood will conclude its homestand on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. versus crosstown rival, Maryville.